Westfield Group is believed to be close to submitting new plans for a smaller centre than previously envisaged.

The new scheme has been described by the developers as "more market-relevant and desirable".

Work started in March 2004 but was halted in February 2008 leaving a building site in the city centre.

A new planning application is yet to be submitted and details will not be finalised before public consultation.

It is believed however, that construction may start again in the first quarter of 2012.

Duncan Bower, director of development at Westfield, said: "We appreciate it has been frustrating for the people of Bradford that the Broadway development has taken longer to come forward than anyone would have liked.

"However, Westfield has always believed that a scheme could be brought forward and the consultation and prospective planning application are important steps towards reviving the scheme.

"We have discussed our initial thoughts with Bradford Council and we are shortly about to submit a planning application."